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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Group Forum: Solo Tripping :: First solo trip in August
 
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boonie
06/07/2015 10:09AM
  
One of the first things you learn on a solo trip is that there is only you to carry everything, hence the advice to travel light. The simplest, quickest way to do that is simply to leave behind stuff you can get along without. Just try to have two manageable loads weightwise to double portage.


The second thing you learn is you're the only one doing camp chores, hence the KISS advice. The main way I accomplish this keeping meals simple, which also helps lighten the load.


The third thing you learn is you're alone. There's nobody to talk you out of doing something unwise and no immediate help if you need it. On the other hand, there's no one to talk you into doing something stupid.


All that said, solo trips are individual trips. Some people like to be busy, like to have lots of creature comforts and don't even mind triple portaging to do it. Some like to base camp, some like to travel every day, some a mix. Some fish, some don't.


I'll second the advice to read through some of the threads here in the forum - you'll get a wide variety of opinions and a pretty thorough overview. And you should keep that journal and notes about what you liked, what to try differently the next time, etc.


Enjoy your trip.
 
butthead
06/07/2015 01:10PM
  
PJ and I did that route but Clearwater around clockwise. 3 Travel days, but had excellent weather. Toughest portage is Caribou to Clearwater not too long but long uphill in that direction, counter clockwise it'll be easy.


Loneliness, everyone reacts differently.
Hebegeebees, getting spooked. It happens to the strongest and is no joke. Again everyone reacts different.
Food, most take too much. A learning experience.
Safety, your alone, take your time and think. Consider a Spot/Inreach communication device or a PLB.
Boredom, I like a book or 2 to fill slack time.
Getting used to a solo canoe, much different feel than a tandem. Or if soloing a tandem, paddling and control are whole new basket of techniques when solo.


Have fun, learn, have more fun!


butthead

 
npduluth
06/07/2015 01:37PM
  
I am use to the creepiness of being in the woods at night alone. I have done a lot of night photography alone in the woods, so I am not to worried about that. I believe that my uncle has a solo canoe that I can practice on before the trip. I have not decided what canoe I will be using, I am 6 ft 220 lb.


I know there is Sawtooth Outfitters in Tofte, what are some other outfitters on the north shore?
 
butthead
06/07/2015 02:33PM
  
Outfitters supporting BWCA COM
Welcome to the forum, npduluth.


butthead
 
boonie
06/07/2015 03:33PM
  
There are many outfitters out the Gunflint Trail out of Grand Marais, but Sawtooth is the only one I can think of that's right along your route. I have rented canoes from Sawtooth many times and I have also rented from outfitters on the Gunflint Trail when entering there and ones in Ely also; never a problem with any of them.
 
npduluth
06/06/2015 11:25PM
  
I am in the process of planning my first solo trip and really my first real trip to the BWCA. I have been on a few trips where we stayed outside of the BWCA and do day trips in to fish.
The trip will be in August and as of right now it is 6 days, I will be entering in on EP 69 John Lake. As of right now I would like to go to John, East/West Pike, Clearwater, Caribou and Pine. Is this a doable loop?
I also could you some advice on gear and what to expect on a first trip?
 
hobbydog
06/07/2015 09:21AM
  
That is s good loop and very doable. There is lots of good info on the forum to read through. What type canoe are you planning on taking? My best advice is keep it simple. A first timers biggest mistake is bringing too much stuff. Actually we are probably all a bit guilty of that.
 
TomT
06/07/2015 09:38AM
  
When I first started I took way too much food and fishing gear. It took me a few trips to get packing down. Take a daily journal and write your observations for future trips.


It won't be perfect but not many trips are. Best advice going solo is watch your step (literally) and follow your intuition. Don't take chances.